a small light to dark coloured bump found on the stems of cacti, out of which grow clusters of spines; the distinctive identifying feature of plants in the cactus family (i.e. Cactaceae), which separates them from other succulent plants.

a flower spike that is initially coiled, with the flowers being arranged only along one side of the rachis, and which proceeds to uncurl as it matures; the typical flower cluster or inflorescence type of the Boraginaceae plant family.

refers to a member of the group of plants known as the dicotyledons (one of the two groups of flowering plants, the other group being the monocotyledons); having broad or relatively broad leaves rather than thin or needle-like leaves.

an inflorescence consisting of a cuplike structure enclosing a female flower and several male flowers that is only found in some members of the spurge plant family (i.e. Euphorbiaceae) (See the Cyathium information page).

having distinct parts or finger-like projections branching from a common point; a type of inflorescence with several racemes branching or radiating from the same point (See the Digitate or Sub-digitate Inflorescence information page).

a naturalised plant species which displaces native species, or adversely affects the survival or regeneration of native species, in natural or somewhat natural vegetation communities (i.e. not in agricultural areas, gardens, highly disturbed areas, etc.); a plant that is recognised as a weed in native vegetation or native plant communities.

another name for a head or capitulum; an inflorescence of densely packed small flowers (i.e. florets) that is mostly found to the daisy plant family (i.e. Asteraceae) (See the Head (Capitulum) information page).

a plant having simple and generally elongated leaves, a jointed stem, an inflorescence of flower spikelets, and producing fruit with a single seed (i.e. caryopsis); a member of the Poaceae plant family.

a number of individual leaves gathered or bundled together (for the purposes of this publication it specifically applies to several leaves arising from the same point at the tip of a small branch, and is distinct from a whorl of leaves in that the leaves are not arranged around the stem (See the Leaves Grouped information page).

readily absorbing moisture, particularly from the atmosphere; absorbing and releasing moisture, depending on the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, and thereby causing twisting or untwisting to occur.

K

a flower part that is found only in those plants with pea-shaped flowers (i.e. Fabaceae), consisting of the two lowest petals, which are partially fused together and resemble the 'keel' of a boat; a prominent ridge running lengthwise on a plant structure.

a form of vegetative reproduction where a piece of stem, that is still attached to a parent plant, becomes covered with soil and develops roots; the process of rooting in branches, twigs, or stems that are still attached to a parent plant.

P

a compound leaf divided into leaflets that radiate from one point and resemble the fingers of a hand; the arrangement of lobes, segments or veins on a leaf where they radiate from one point like the fingers on the palm of a hand.

a grass-like plant belonging to the family Cyperaceae, particularly the genus Cyperus; a plant which has clusters of inconspicuous flowers subtended by bracts, elongated and hairless leaves, usually has triangular stems, and is often found growing in marshy areas.

describing a leaf or stem that is thick and fleshy or juicy in appearance and has a water-storing capacity (See an image of succulent leaves); a plant with juicy leaves or stems that is adapted to arid conditions.

an alternative, usually previously used, scientific name. A synonym results when it is determined that a species was originally wrongly identified or placed in the wrong genus, and it is therefore given a new name to replace the incorrect one. A species can have several synonyms if its taxonomy has been difficult to define in the past.

a thin or membranous extension that is attached to one of a variety of plant structures (e.g. seed, fruit, stem); one of the two, usually smaller, lateral petals in a flower belonging to the pea plant family (i.e. Fabaceae).

Z

having two sides that are the mirror image of each other; bilaterally symmetrical.

Fact sheets are available from Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) service centres and our Customer Service Centre (telephone 13 25 23). Check our website at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
to ensure you have the latest version of this fact sheet. The control methods referred to in this fact sheet should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method.
These restrictions may prevent the use of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, DEEDI does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.